Probation officers have been called upon to take up active role in ensuring service and justice to the people.
Speaking in Nakuru on Friday morning during the official opening of a three day conference for probation officers, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu stated that the role played by the probation service department is paramount in ensuring justice.
The probation officers conference is meant to strengthen community corrections towards realizing peace, justice and sustainable social development.
“Probation officers play a key role in the community and together with the judiciary should ensure informed decisions,” Mwilu said.
Mwilu called on the officers to continue working closely with the judiciary in ensuring dispute resolution.
“As judiciary, we recognize the role played by the probation officers and we shall continue to work together to ensure informed decisions as far as justice is concerned,” she said.
Similar sentiments were echoed by high Court Judge Luka Kimaru who is also the chairman of the community service order.
“One of the parameters that should be considered by probation officers is community service and passion. You need to take up not the passive role but rather the active role,” said Kimaru.
Probation and Aftercare Service is a government department under the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
The department forms part of the criminal justice system in Kenya and is charged with the responsibility of generating advisory reports to courts and penal organs for purposes of bail, sentencing and pre-release decision making.